Future Ready Leadership With Jacob Morgan - podcast cover

Future Ready Leadership With Jacob Morgan

Are you ready to lead in the future of work? Most leaders aren't! Join 5x best-selling author & futurist Jacob Morgan as he interviews the world's top CEOs, best-selling authors, and leading thinkers to bring you the insights, strategies, and tools you need to become a future ready leader. Guests include CEOs from Best Buy, Netflix, Hyatt, and GE as well as leading thinkers like Seth Godin, Dan Pink, Yuval Harari, and Marshall Goldsmith. This is the world's #1 podcast to lead in the future of work! Watch the videos on Youtube: bit.ly/406fmFP IG: https://www.instagram.com/jacobmorgan8/ LI: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmorgan8 TW: https://twitter.com/jacobm W: https://thefutureorganization.com/

Episodes

Is AI Taking Over The World? Not So Fast! - Chief AI Officer of PwC US, Dan Priest

AI is moving faster than most leaders can keep up. If you’re not leveraging it, you’re already behind. But AI adoption isn’t as simple as plugging in new tech. While some companies are already using it to outpace competitors, others are stuck in analysis paralysis—unsure how to implement AI without opening themselves up to risk. If you want to lead in this AI-driven world, you can’t afford to wait. In this episode, Dan Priest, US Chief AI Officer of PwC, breaks down the biggest AI shifts happeni...

Mar 10, 202556 min

Sparks: Understanding Employee Experience: How It Results in Real ROI and How to Create Truly Engaged Teams

The workplace has evolved. It’s no longer about employees convincing companies to hire them—it’s about companies proving why employees should want to stay. The game has changed, and so must leadership. In today's Leadership Spark, we uncover the truth about what separates employee engagement from employee experience—and why it’s the latter that drives real results. Learn why only 6% of companies are excelling in employee experience and how investing in it can drive real business ROI. We’ll uncov...

Mar 07, 20256 min

The Power of HR: How CHROs Will Shape the Future of Work

Join the world’s top CHROs who are a part of Future of Work Leaders. An exclusive group of people leaders from around the world who are moving beyond traditional HR to focus on the future of work, employee experience, and leadership. Other groups are expensive, time consuming, filled with sales pitches and presentations, and don’t add value. Future of Work Leaders is different, it’s shaped by the very CHROs who are a part of it. We host monthly virtual discussions along with an thriving online c...

Mar 05, 20254 min

Workhuman CEO Eric Mosley on How Recognition Drives Engagement & Retention

Most leaders overcomplicate retention, engagement, and culture-building—when the real solution is simple: recognition. Eric Mosley is CEO and founder of Workhuman, a company that has helped over 7 million employees across 150 countries connect through authentic appreciation—and the data proves it works. In this episode, Eric shares how recognition, done right, can cut turnover in half, boost engagement, and build stronger teams. We unpack why peer-to-peer recognition matters more than you think,...

Mar 03, 20251 hr

Sparks: Does Age Matter? What Really Shapes Career Mindsets and How to Build Employees from Different Generations

Are multiple generations in the workplace really as different as we think? Or is work ethic the real issue we should be talking about? In today’s Leadership Spark, we challenge the idea that generational differences define work habits. Instead, we explore why life stages and experiences—not age—shape how people approach work, and how social media trends like "lazy girl jobs" are promoting toxic career mindsets. We also break down why work ethic seems to be declining, what companies should expect...

Feb 28, 20259 min

Why Employees Leave Leaders & What You Can Do About It | Dr. Jack Zenger

If half your team suddenly quit, would you know why? Research shows that 50% of employees quit because of their relationship with their leader, and it’s not because of screaming bosses or impossible workloads—it’s because they feel ignored, undervalued, and disconnected. In this episode, Dr. Jack Zenger, CEO and Co-Founder of Zenger Folkman, breaks down what truly drives employee retention and engagement. Backed by data from 200,000 leaders worldwide, Jack reveals the three leadership qualities ...

Feb 24, 202557 min

Sparks: Climb the Vulnerability Mountain: How to Balance Vulnerability and Competence to Unlock Your Best Leadership Version

What if being vulnerable as a leader could make you stronger, not weaker? In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore the Vulnerability Mountain—a framework that shows why leading with vulnerability isn't about flipping a switch but embarking on a journey that builds trust and credibility. You'll discover why vulnerability without competence can backfire, how the Pratfall Effect makes leaders more relatable when they’re great at their jobs, and why leading by example is the only way to inspire authe...

Feb 21, 20255 min

Futurist Martin Ford on AI, Jobs, and the Future of Work

With AI advancing at breakneck speed, what does this mean for your job, your company, and the way we work? Martin Ford, one of the world’s top futurists, joins us to break down the rapid rise of AI and how it’s shaking up the job market. In this episode, Martin reveals why white-collar jobs might vanish before blue-collar ones, how AI agents are quietly becoming our new co-workers, and why leaders need to embrace this shift instead of fearing it. We dive into the strategies every leader needs to...

Feb 17, 202558 min

Sparks: Build The Future of Work With The World’s Top CHROs

Future of Work Leaders is a NEW community of the world’s top CHROs who are shaping the future of work and employee experience. Other communities focus purely on traditional HR, are VERY expensive, members are constantly being sold to, and there’s far more fluff than value. Future of Work Leaders is affordable for any CHRO, there’s no selling, no speeches, and no fluff. It’s purely focused on strategy, insight, and connections with world leading CHROs who are shaping the future of work and employ...

Feb 14, 202514 min

Sahil Bloom on Why Success Isn’t Just About Money

Are you chasing the wrong kind of wealth? We all chase success, but too often, it’s tied to money, fame, or career milestones. Sahil Bloom, author of The Five Types of Wealth and creator of the Curiosity Chronicle newsletter, believes that true wealth lies in a balance of time, relationships, health, mental clarity, and financial stability. In today’s episode, Sahil introduces a fresh way to think about success by focusing on these five types of wealth. We explore how to connect your work to you...

Feb 10, 202552 min

Sparks: Are Today’s Leaders Too Afraid? How to Lead With Confidence, Courage, and Respect

Are today’s leaders too afraid to lead? In today's Leadership Spark, we explore the challenges of leadership today, from balancing psychological safety with accountability to being honest about workplace expectations. We discuss how over-coddling employees and focusing too much on feelings can backfire, and why it’s important for leaders to set clear standards while fostering respect and responsibility. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others a...

Feb 07, 20255 min

Three Leadership Skills to Thrive in the Future of Work

The secret to better leadership in the future of work isn't knowing everything, but mastering the right things. This episode brings together three leadership visionaries—Diego Barreto, CEO of iFood; Jeff Kindler, former CEO of Pfizer; and Frederic Laloux, author of Reinventing Organizations—to share the tools you need to lead smarter in the new world of work. You'll learn why mastering one skill at a time, encouraging constructive disagreement, and embracing self-management are the keys to navig...

Feb 03, 202555 min

Sparks: Employee Engagement Is Not a Long-Term Workplace Solution

Most employees start their journey excited and motivated, but that enthusiasm often fades when organizations rely on perks like yoga or free food to boost engagement. These quick fixes don’t address deeper needs. In today's Leadership Spark, we dig into the critical difference between employee engagement and employee experience, showing how leading companies shift from superficial perks to meaningful workplace transformation. Learn why only 6% of organizations excel in creating environments wher...

Jan 30, 20258 min

Strategies For Effective Mentor and Mentee Relationships At Work

Mentorship is often misunderstood. Many mentees expect their mentors to drive the relationship or solve their problems. But Amy Salcido, President of Kyndryl U.S., shows us a different take on how to do mentorship right. In today’s episode, Amy shares her unique insights from leading a team of 16,000 employees in one of the world’s largest IT infrastructure companies. Amy unpacks the lessons she learned at IBM, where mentorship was pivotal in her rise to executive leadership. She explains why me...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 1 min

Sparks: The Vulnerability Wheel and How Vulnerability Can Be Used For and Against Your Favor

Have you ever wondered if vulnerability could backfire? Leaders often face tough decisions about when and how to be open, and the stakes are high when trust is involved. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore a powerful story about a CEO who learned hard lessons about vulnerability after it was used against her early in her career. You'll hear insights on navigating trust, why vulnerability is essential for leadership, and how self-compassion can be your safety net when things go wrong. This ep...

Jan 24, 20256 min

How Lumen CEO Kate Johnson Changed the Culture of a Billion-Dollar Company From Playing Not to Lose to Playing to Win

Turning around a struggling company isn’t for the faint of heart, but Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen Technologies, is proving it can be done—and done well. Leading 30,000 employees and steering billions in revenue, Kate is tackling one of the toughest challenges in business: shifting a telecom giant from “playing not to lose” to “playing to win.” In this episode, Kate opens her fresh and fearless playbook on what it really takes to transform a culture: it starts with clarifying your mission and gett...

Jan 20, 20251 hr 1 min

Sparks: Flexibility in the Workplace: The Importance of Consistency and Conviction in an Evolving Organization

Workplace flexibility isn’t new, but its importance is growing. More than just remote or hybrid setups, it’s about giving employees options in career paths, benefits, and how they work best. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore why leaders must stay true to their company’s culture and values, especially in uncertain times. Flip-flopping on big decisions leads to mistrust, but clear communication and conviction create alignment and loyalty. Learn how successful companies navigated the return t...

Jan 17, 20255 min

The Workplace is NOT Dead! Reimagining Leadership and Employee Engagement for 2025 and Beyond

The office isn’t dead—it’s evolving. How do you design a workplace where you could inspire creativity, collaboration, and sustainability? Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink, co-CEOs of Gensler, the world’s leading design firm, know all about it. They’ve not only spearheaded some of the most iconic workplace designs but but have also championed a co-leadership model that fosters synergy and innovation. Jordan and Elizabeth are behind groundbreaking projects like Under Armour’s net-zero headquar...

Jan 13, 202552 min

Sparks: Think Like a Futurist: Making a Future-Ready Organization Through Scenario Thinking and AI

Are you shaping the future or letting it shape you? In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore how leaders can think in scenarios to prepare for multiple outcomes and avoid being caught off guard. We also dive into the power of AI tools like ChatGPT, which are transforming how leaders train employees, boost productivity, and solve problems. But with great power comes responsibility—balancing AI’s potential with human judgment is key to building the future of work. ________________ Start your day wi...

Jan 10, 20259 min

New Year, New Leader: The Key to Future Ready Leadership in 2025

If leadership were easy, everyone would do it—but here’s how the best make it look effortless. In this special episode of Future Ready Leadership, three visionary leaders share powerful, actionable strategies to help you activate teams, build unshakable trust, and transform workplace culture. Rachel Cooke, former Director of HR at American Express, host of the Modern Mentor podcast, and founder of Lead Above Noise, unpacks her four-pillar framework for driving team success through connection, de...

Jan 06, 202550 min

Sparks: The Three Pillars of Employee Experience: How Technology, Culture, and Physical Space Can Help You Build the BEST Workplace

What shapes the employee experience? In this episode of Leadership Spark, we explore the three pillars that define it: physical space, technology, and culture. Physical environments contribute 30% of employee satisfaction, with top companies creating flexible, activity-based spaces. Technology, also 30%, acts as the central nervous system but becomes a human problem when it fails. Culture, the most impactful at 40%, determines how employees feel and connect to purpose. Through compelling stories...

Jan 03, 202514 min

Leaders Without These Skills Are Doomed to Fail in 2025

The workplace is evolving faster than ever, leaving leaders scrambling to keep up with new demands. How can you ensure your leadership skills remain relevant and impactful in 2025? In this episode of Future Ready Leadership, we have experts who will share the tools you need to thrive and stand out as a leader. Tom Henschel, host of The Look and Sound of Leadership, shares the secrets to executive presence—commanding attention and respect in any room. Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Pow...

Dec 30, 202448 min

Sparks: How Vulnerability Can Make or Break a CEO

One CEO was fired for being vulnerable. Another saved their company. What made the difference? In today’s Leadership Spark, we go beyond the theory of leading with vulnerability to explore how it works in real life. Vulnerability isn’t just admitting mistakes—it’s about showing how you’re taking action to close gaps and grow. Through powerful examples, including the contrasting stories of two CEOs who led with vulnerability, you’ll see how balancing openness with leadership drives results. We’ll...

Dec 27, 20249 min

3 Leadership Insights That Will Help You Conquer 2025

What skills, trends, and strategic thinking do leaders need to embrace for the future? In this episode, we explore three compelling perspectives to help leaders prepare for 2025. Michael Watkins breaks down The 6 Disciplines of Strategic Thinking he authored, showing how leaders can mobilize their teams and make smarter, more impactful decisions. Seth Godin, renowned Author, Entrepreneur, and Founder of the Carbon Almanac, challenges the status quo with his take on why adaptability beats rigid p...

Dec 23, 202450 min

Sparks: The Vulnerability Equation: Discussing the Delicate Balance Between Competence and Connection

What does it really mean to lead with vulnerability? In today’s Leadership Spark, we dive into the delicate balance between openness and competence in leadership. Vulnerability is essential for building trust and fostering connections, but simply admitting mistakes isn’t enough, especially in the workplace. Leaders need to pair vulnerability with action. We’ll explore why this concept is more critical than ever in today’s fast-changing environment and how it can help leaders inspire confidence w...

Dec 20, 202411 min

The Qualities That Drive Innovation and Create Possibilities with Google's Frederik Pferdt

The pace of change is relentless, and leaders everywhere are grappling with the same challenge: how do we prepare our teams for a future we can’t predict? In this episode of Future Ready Leadership, Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist, Frederik Pferdt, offers a solution—shifting your mindset to embrace curiosity, radical optimism, and human-centered leadership. Drawing from his groundbreaking work at Google and insights from his book "What’s Next is Now", Frederik reveals the secrets to t...

Dec 16, 202459 min

Sparks: The Modern Leader: How to Lead and Thrive in the Fast-Paced Workplace

Can leaders keep up when change never slows down? In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore how the accelerating pace of change is reshaping workplaces, work ethics, and the delicate balance between employee empowerment and accountability. From the rise of disengaged work cultures to the struggle for accountability, this episode dives into the realities of modern leadership and what it takes to adapt, thrive, and rebuild the balance. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by ...

Dec 13, 20248 min

How Leaders Can Use Foresight to be Future-Ready and Prepare For What's Next - Lisa Bodell

Amid constant change, how can leaders prepare for what's next without losing focus on today? In this episode, Lisa Bodell, Bestselling Author of "Kill the Company" and "Why Simple Wins", shares powerful strategies for becoming future-ready. She explains why agility and resilience matter more than rigid planning, how to leverage tools like STEEP and the Futures Wheel, and why every company must "Kill the Company" to uncover blind spots and innovate. Lisa also explores the dangers of "perma crisis...

Dec 09, 202456 min

Sparks: Purpose Over Perks: How to Keep Employee Satisfaction High for the Long-Term

Why do so many companies struggle to attract and retain top talent? Is it the lack of free food, shiny perks, or unlimited vacation days? Or is the issue much deeper? As leaders, it’s time to confront the uncomfortable truth: perks aren’t purpose, and engagement isn’t just an adrenaline shot. In today’s Leadership Spark, we'll unpack why many organizations are stuck on the “hedonic treadmill,” cycling through perks and benefits to boost short-term satisfaction but failing to create a lasting imp...

Dec 06, 20247 min

How To Be A Future-Ready Leader in 2025

Leadership in 2024 was challenging, and 2025 promises to be even more demanding. With economic pressures, hybrid work complexities, and the rapid rise of AI, the expectations for leaders have never been higher. But the good news is we've packed the best leadership advice from 2024 into one powerhouse episode, giving you the tools to thrive in the year ahead. In this episode, Guy Kawasaki, Author & Chief Evangelist at Canva, kicks things off by sharing how a growth mindset and resilience can help...

Dec 02, 202453 min